Start Collecting Coins by Margo Russell (1989 Softcover) Author : Margo Russell (1919-2015) Publisher: Running Press Philadelphia, PA U.S.A. 1989 Book only, package of coins not included. Book explains Coin Collecting: * Recognizing Rare Coins * Reading Mint Marks * How Coins are Made * Buying and Trading * Preserving and Displaying Includes Illustrations and a Glossary. Margo Russell (1919-2015) became Coin World's editor in 1962. Upon her retirement as editor on February 28, 1985, after 23 years, many numismatists regarded her as the most influential person in the hobby. In 1975, Russell received the Farran Zerbe Memorial Award, the highest award of the American Numismatic Association and in 1986 she was elected to its Hall of Fame. Illustrations are mainly photographs from over a dozen mints, museums, collectors and publications for the hobbyist. Paperback book has a unique design with an extended front cover that latches with a velcro patch to the rear cover. The front cover also has a shadowbox cut-out to reveal a photo of coins printed on the front facing end-page. As sent to retailers, the book was part of a package which also contained coins from around the world to "jump-start" your collection. This copy suffers from handling/storage issues. There is an extra crease in the cover extension from a time when the velcro latch was not used, the corners are torn in the front cover cut-out, there are indents from storage and the 1st few pages have been wet, although dried without damage to legibility. The interior is tight, clean and unmarked. Size: 8vo - over 7 - 9" tall, 112pp Condition: Fair Softcover – Privately Owned Copyright 1989. Printed in the U.S.A. This copy from the 5th printing. LCCN: 88-43295. ISBN-10: 0-89471-674-3. MSR = $ 9.95 (add $2.50 postage handling per each when ordering direct from publisher.) Notes on Condition/Edition ratings: Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new” or even “new.” Booksellers needed some word to describe this... Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks or shelf-wear) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher. Very Good – How you or I might take care of a book, closer to “as new” than standard. Might show ownership. Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” This is the most likely condition for books of this age title, shows the book has been read or previously owned. Acceptable – How a child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or a book that has been damaged.) Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have missing pages (you should ask). Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end. 1st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1st edition. A collector might desire this copy. Thanks for looking!